Reel



1950 K. c. BUGG EIAL 2,530,114

REEL

Filed Sept. 1, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR5- 176/244 6 Bagg,

BY 370mg LEG/17f,

K. c. BUGG ET AL Nov. 14, 1950 REEL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 1, 1945 Arilltl l Patented Nov. 14, 1950 REEL Kenly C. Bugg and Harry L. Hart, Fort Wayne,

Ind.; said Hart assignor to said Bugg Application September 1, 1945, Serial No. 613,976

Claims. (Cl. 242-107) This invention pertains to reels and more particularly to retrieving mechanism for storage, dispensing, etc., reels for ropes, lines, hose, electric wire, etc.

It is an object of this invention to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line without the use of long, heavy and expensive springs. Another object of this invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long length of line, wherein a short length of spring is utilized to perform a rewinding function usually performed by a long spring.

Another object of the invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line, wherein a short length of spring is utilized with mechanism so constructed and arranged that it can be made to rewind an indefinite length of line, which line cannot be rewound with the usual retracting mechanism provided with the conventional long spring.

Another object of the invention is to provid a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line, wherein a short length of spring is utilized which can be periodically re-energized by withdrawing a length of line to thereby rewind long lengths of line.

Another object of the invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line, wherein a short length of sprin is utilized to perform a rewinding function wherein after the spring is energized a predetermined amount by the unwinding of the line, the energization of the spring is arrested, regardless of the additional unwinding of the line.

-Another object of this invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line wherein the spring of the power storing mechanism is energized only a predetermined amount regardless of the length of line withdrawn, and wherein it is not necessary to use holding dogs, cams or other devices to prevent the reel from rewinding. Consequently it is not necessary to provide tripping or releasing devices for such dogs, cams or other devices, but it is only necessary to unwind a small additional amount of line, and release it for small rewinding at which point there is an arresting of rewinding tendency, and thereafter it is only necessary to withdraw a small amount more of line to condition the reel for rewinding.

Another object of this invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism,

capable of rewinding long lengths of line and one which utilizes mechanism, such as difierential mechanism, so that the rewinding mechanism, which includes the power storing means, can be very small whereby it readily can be used forlamp cords, telephone cords, electric razor cords, vacuum sweeper cords, and for all uses where lon lengths of line must be stored in small places and economically.

Another object of this invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line which can readily be used to store relatively heavy means, such as hoses and the like, but wherein relatively light, inexpensive and compact rewinding mechanism is utilized.

Another object of this invention is to provide a retracting reel having power storing mechanism capable of rewinding long lengths of line wherein either a coil or spiral spring may be used. I

Another object of the invention is to provide power storing mechanism utilizing a differential mechanism so constructed and arranged that it automatically changes its capacity of power storing under predetermined conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reel havin power storing mechanism utilizing differential mechanism or the like, arranged to.

automatically change its capacity of power storing under predetermined conditions so that it can be made for adesigned or desired capacity of rewind withoutadditional power storing devices.

Another-object of the invention is to provide a reel wherein a line can be unwound therefrom,

pended hereto. r

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to'designate like parts- Figure Us a side elevation of a form of clothes line reel embodying the'invention;

Figure 2 is atop plan view of the reel illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line.3 j3 .of Figure 1; V I -Figurejlis. anenlarged sectional elevation; of certain gearing "of 'thereel rewind mechanism,

3 the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of the rewind spring and housing, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 55 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective elevation through one of the sets of gearing of the rewind mechanism;

Figure? is an exploded perspective elevation through another of the sets of gearing of the rewind mechanism, but with the coil, clutch sprin omitted;

Figure 8 is a tranverse, fragmentary sectional elevation of a reel for dispensing fluids, such as an air or liquid hose reel which is adapted to utilize the rewinding mechanism illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive;

Figure 9 is a transverse, fragmentary sectional elevation of a reel for electric cords and the like, which is adapted to utilize the rewinding mechanism illustrated in Figures 1 to '7, inclusive; and,

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional plan view taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line I0I5 of Figure 9.

The reel assembly illustrated in Figures 1 to '7 inclusive, is shown as adapted for use as a clothes line storing and retracting reel assembly. Said reel assembly consists essentially of a main bracket 28 provided with upper and lower male connecting members 22 and 24, adapted to be inserted in suitable female connectin members 26 and 28 provided on the bracket 35, the latter bracket being adapted to be connected as at 32 to a suitable support as a post 34. Bracket 35 is adapted to be secured as at 38 to bracket and a fixed shaft member 46 (Figures 3 and 6) is secured as at 42 to bracket 36, shaft 40 being provided with the projection 44 adapted to be received in a suitable socket 45 of bracket 35 for positioning the shaft 40.

The shaft 40 is provided with stepped shaft portions 48 and 50 on which bushings 52 and 54 are respectively mounted. Gear 56 is rotatably mounted on the bushing 52 and is provided with the pivoted spring-pressed pawl 58, said pawls being adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet gear 60. The ratchet gear 60 is provided with the hub 82 and said gear and hub are rotatably mounted on the bushing 54. Gear 64 is fixedly mounted on hub 62 adjacent the ratchet gear 60 and the assembly is completed by the bolt 56 being threaded into the end of shaft portion 50 and overlapping the end of hub 52 and bushing 54.

Fixed shaft 68 is secured as at II! to the bracket 35 and is provided with the projection I2 received in the socket I4 provided in the bracket 36 for positioning said shaft, the shaft 68 being disposed adjacent to and in parallel relation with the shaft 40.

Shaft 68 is provided with the stepped shaft portions I6, I8 and 80, and the barrel or spring cap 82 is rotatably mounted on the portion I5 and is provided with an axial flange 84 disposed to rotate against or abut the bracket 36. Bushing 86 is mounted on the shaft portion I8, and spring drum 90 is staked or otherwise secured to the ratchet hub 92 rotatably mounted on the bushing 86, said ratchet hub being provided with the gear 94 secured to said hub and meshing with, gear 56.

Coil spring assembly 96 (Figures 3 and 5) includes an inner coil spring 98 secured as at I00 to the shaft portion 16 of the shaft 68. The spring 98 is provided adjacent its outer end with the relatively stifier or stronger spring shoe I02 secured thereto as at I54 and engaging the inside of drum 95, the shoe preferably being long to engage over a large area of the drum (the length of the spring being substantially 540 in the embodiment shown). The inner softer spring maintains substantially constant energization which when used with the outer stiffer shoe, gives a constant clutch action between the spring assembly and the drum. That is, there is substantially a constant clutch action of the outer shoe regardless of the geometric windup of the inner spring. This permits a relatively short, soft spring to give the effect of a long, stiir" spring.

Hub 92 is provided with the ratchet gear I06 fixed thereto and being adapted to be engaged by the spring-pressed pivoted pawls I08. The pawls I08 are pivoted to gear III! staked or otherwise secured to the hub II2 of reel hub II 4, gear IIII meshing with gear 64. The reel rub H4 is provided with the flange IIG to which the reel arms H8 are fixed as at I26, the hub II2 being rotatably mounted on the bushing I22 mounted on the shaft portion 80, the assembly being completed by the bolt I24 secured to the end of shaft portion 80 and overlapping the end of reel hub H4. The end of reel rub H4 is preferably provided with a boss I facilitating assembly and supporting the arms H8.

The arms I I8 are secured as at I26 to the inside of reel I23, the reel being provided with the drum or reel portion I and the side flanges I32, whereby storage means is provided for the flexible member such as the clothes line I34. The

inner end of the clothes line is secured to the drum portion, the line is then coiled or wrapped around the drum portion between the flanges, and the outer end of the line passes outwardly through the elongated eye I36 provided on bracket I38, the bracket being conveniently pivoted as at I to bracket 20.

A suitable offset I42 and engagement between projection I43 and bracket 36 limits the oscillatory movement of the bracket I38. The drum portion I39 is provided with the ring gear I 44 (Figure l) which is fixed to said drum portion. A locking and tightening bracket I46 is pivoted as at I48 to bracket 36, being limited in its oscillatory movement with respect to bracket 36 by means of the adjacent edges I55 and I52 of bracket 35 and bracket I45, respectively.

Spring I5i secured to brackets 36 and I46 urges bracket I in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure l. The lower end of bracket I46 is provided with the handle I and a crank I58 is pivoted as at. I58 to the bracket I46 and is provided with the gear I52 rotatable with crank I58 and adapted to mesh with gear I44 when the bracket I45 is moved in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1.

A spring pressed pawl I64 is adapted to engage gear I52, whereby the crank I58 can only be rotated in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure l and consequently reel I28 can only be rotated in a clockwise direction to. tighten the line I34, and the pawl acts as means for preventing unwinding of the reel after the line has been tightened.

In the operation of this device let it be assumed that the line I34 is completely wound on the drum portion I30, and let it be assumed that the spring assembly 96 is not energized, and tightening bracket I46 is not in operative position, that is, gears I 62 and I44 are not in engagement. The

line I34 may be withdrawn from the drum portion I30 a desired amount, for example, let it be assumed a withdrawal of 100 feet. The outer end of the line can be secured to a suitable support, as a post, and the line tightened and held by moving bracket I46 to engage gears I62 and I44 and then rotating crank I58 a desired amount, after which pawl I64 locks the crank against loosening rotation.

I When the line I34 is being removed from the drum portion I30, rotation of the reel in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 1, causes rotation of the reel hub II 4 (Figures 3 and 7), which in turn rotates gear I I in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 4), rotating gear 64 in a clockwise direction, and assuming that the ratio of gears II 0 and 64 is 2 to 1, for example, gear 64 rotates twice as fast as gear IIO. Rotation of gear 64 causes ratchet gear 60 to rotate gear 56 at the same speed that gear 64 is rotating, through pushing engagement between the teeth of gear 60 and the pawls 58. Gear 56 rotating in a clockwise direction causes rotation of gear 94 (Figures 3 and '7) in a counterclockwise direction, and assuming that the ratio of gear 56 to gear 94 is 2 to 1, for example, gear 94 will rotate twice as fast as gear 56.

Gear 94 will be permitted to rotate with respect to gear IIO due to the ratchet connection I08--I06. Spring drum 90 (Figures 3, 5 and 7) will rotate at the same speed as gear 94, causing a gradual energization of the spring assembly 96 to a point where the stiffer spring shoe I02 slips with respect to the drum 90. Thus in withdrawing the line, after a predetermined amount of line is withdrawn the spring slips and there is a constant force needed to further withdraw the line. When the outer end of line I34 is secured the spring will act to become de-energized, causing rotation of spring drum 90 and reel I26 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1, and gear H0 and consequently drum portion I30 will be rotated at the same speed as spring drum 90, in a clockwise direction due to the ratchet connection I08I06, the ratchet I06 causing rotation of the gear IIO through pushing pawls I08 in said clockwise direction.

The spring assembly 96 will, therefore, cause a certain tightening effect on the line I 34 and the line I34 can be further tightened by moving the locking and tightening bracket I46 to engage gears I62 and I44. The pawl I64 will then prevent rotation of the reel I28 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1 and the handle I56 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to rotate the drum I28 in a clockwise direction to tighten the line.

When it is desired to retrieve the line the looking and tightening bracket I46 is moved to disengage gears I62 and I44. The end of the line I-34 is then disconnected from its support, and the spring assembly 96 will move to become deenergized, causing rotation of the spring. drum 9 0 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1, which will cause the ratchet gear I06 (Figures 4 and 7) to rotate the gear IIO through pushing pawls I 08, which in turn causes a clockwise rotation of reel I28 to wind up the line I34. Thus in retrieving, the spring assembly 96 acts to rotate vide a bracket similar to the locking bracket I46,

6 being then permitted will cause rewinding of a larger amount of line than was withdrawn from the reel to energize the spring. This is apparent because movement of the reel in an. unwinding direction through 60, for example, causes the drum to be moved through 240 as the drum is rotated through the overdrive. But in permitting the spring assembly to move to become deenergized, the reel is rotated to wind the line through 240 as the drum 90 drives the reel directly to rewind. The increment of unwind, to energize the spring, can be repeated until all of the line is rewound on the drum. Of course, other ratios of gears can be used to vary the unwind-rewind ratio.

Referring now to the reel assembly illustrated in Figure 8, this assembly is illustrated as being adapted for use with fluid dispensing means, such as an air dispensing hose or a liquid dispensing hose.

The reel assembly comprises the bracket 200 which may be integral with or otherwise secured to a main support, such as a frame or the like, the bracket 200 corresponding to bracket 36. Hollow shaft 204 is threaded as at 206 and is secured by suitable fastening means to the fluid line manifold 208, which may be for either liquid or air, a suitable washer 2I6 being disposed between the manifold 208 and bracket 200.

The shaft 204 is disposed adjacent a shaft (not shown), similar to shaft 40, the latter shaft being provided with the gearing and'other mechanism illustrated in Figure 6. The end of shaft 204 is provided with the bushing 2 I 2 on which the reel hub 2M is rotatably mounted, said hub 2I4 being similar to hub H4. The hub 2I4 is provided with the gear I I0 having pawls I08, and the other gearing and mechanism as shown in Figure '7 is mounted on said shaft 204 whereby with the mechanism on the shaft similar to shaft 40, retrieving mechanism similar to that shown and described in Figures 1 to 7 is provided.

The web or arms 245 of storage reel 2I6 is secured to the flange 2 I8 of the hub 2I4 and the hose 220 is adapted to be wound on said reel and withdrawn therefrom. If the hose 220 is for air, a suitable air chuck will be provided. If it is for liquid, a suitable valve or nozzle will be provided.

The end of shaft 204 is threaded as at 222 and the housing 224 is secured thereto, fixed with respect to the reel and providing an end bearing therefor. passage 226 communicating with passage 223 of the shaft 204 and the passage 226 is provided with the enlarged seal passage 230. The end of the housing 224 is closed by means of the nut 232 and the rotatable hose fitting 234 having the passage 236 communicates with passage 228, said fitting 234 being provided with a shoulder 238 engaging the seal ring 240. The end of fitting 234 is connected through the hose 242 to hose Fluid pressure being supplied from manifold 268 to hose 220 urges the rotating shoulder 238 of fitting 234 against the seal ring to provide a proper fluid tight connection.

The withdrawal and rewinding of the hose through the retrieving mechanism is exactly the same as described with respect to Figures 1 to 7 inclusive. In this case it is not necessary to, proalthough if desired, such a bracket may be pro;

vided with a stop for holding the reel :16 againstretrievingrotation. r

-In-th'e construction illustrated in Figures'9 "and The housing 224 is provided with the' 7 10 thebracket 259., similar to bracket 36 is provided, suitably supported on any structure as desired. Hollow shaft 252 provided with the bore,

254; suitably secured as at 256 to the bracket 215i), the shaft 252 being similar to shaft Be. A shaft (not shown), similar to shaft 40, is likewise secured to bracket 258 and is provided with the gearing and other mechanism illustrated in Figure 6. The end of shaft 252 is provided with bushing 258 on which the reel hub 260 is rotatably mounted, said hub being similar to hub H4. The hub is provided with the gear He provided with, pawls Hi8, and shaft 252 is provided with the other mechanism illustrated in Figure 7. The mechanism of shaft 252 and that of the shaft corresponding to shaft is operate in the same manner as the retrieving mechanism as described in Figures 1 to '7 inclusive.

Reel 262 is fixed to the reel hub 265 by web or arms 253 and a positioning collar 264 is secured to shaft 252 for positioning the reel and providan end bearing therefor. Shaft 252, outwardly of the collar 2%, is provided with a slot 256 into which the insulated projection 268 of the insulating ring 21!! extends. The insulating ring 2W is provided with the outer projection 212 separating the commutator rings 2M and 2'15. A contact frame 2'38 is rotatably mounted on shaft 252 outwardly of the collar 25d and extends radially to the reel 262.

' In Figure 9 the reel assembly is illustrated for the storage of an electrical conductor such as wire, the wire being stored on the reel 262 and being adapted to wind thereon and unwind therefrom, a suitable end connection such as an elec- Z trio plug, or other connection, being provided depending on the use to which the reel is to be put. The conductors 288 are electrically connected through conductors 282 and 284 to the spring pressed brushes 23B and 288, which have electrical contact with the commutators 214 and 216. The co-mmutators 274 and 276 are electrically connected to conductors 293} and 292 extending through passage 254 of shaft 252 to a suitable source of electrical energy. The unwind and rewind of the electrical conductor 280 is exactly the same as contemplated for the line illustrated in Figures 1 to '7 inclusive.

As in the case of the reel shown in Figure 8, no bracket as bracket M6 (Figure 1) need be provided, though a locking bracket may be provided if desired to prevent retrieving action of the reel until desired. I

While reels for storage of clothes lines, hose and electrical conductors have been illustrated, other flexible members may be used, and the use of the reel in other connections is contemplated, and where line is used, it is of course understood that it is used in a generic sense, and it is to be further understood that this application is not to be limited by the exact embodiments of the device shown, which are merely by way of illustration and not limitation, as various and other forms of the device will, of course, be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the cl ims.

We claim:

1. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts fixed to said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed to said first shaft, the. outer end of said coil spring being provided with a spring shoe of stiffer material than said coil spring, a drum rotatableon said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub rotatably mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear, the pawl gear being larger than the gear meshing therewith, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear and being larger than said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount after which said shoe slips with respect to said drum, thereby maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, and a reel secured to said reel hub.

2. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts carried by said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed to said firstshaft,

the outer end of said coil spring being providedwith a shoe, a drum on said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear, the pawl gear being larger than the gear meshing therewith, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear and being larger than said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a. predetermined amount, thereafter maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become deenergized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to said predetermined amount, and a reel secured to said reel hub.

3. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts fixed to said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed to said first shaft, the outer end of said coil spring being provided with a-spring shoe of stiffer material than said coil spring, a drum rotatable on said first shaft" and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement. with said drum,

said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub rotatably mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear, the pawl gear being larger than the gear meshing therewith, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear and being larger than said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount after which said shoe slips with respect to said drum, thereby maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, a reel secured to said reel hub, areel gear fixed to said reel, a bracket pivoted to said support and pro.- vided with a pinion, means for rotating the pinion, and a pawl for preventing rotation of the pinion in more than one direction, said bracket being movable to cause said pinion to engage said reel gear to lock said reel against rotation in one direction, said pinionbeing rotatable to rotate said reel in the other direction.

4. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts carried by said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed to said first shaft,

the outer end of said coil spring being provided,

with a shoe, a drum on said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear, the pawl gear being larger than the gear meshing therewith, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear and being larger than said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a pre-. determined amount, thereafter maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to be! come de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to said predetermined amount, a reel secured to said reel hub, a reel gear fixed to said reel, a

bracket pivoted to said support and provided with a pinion, means for rotating the pinion, and a pawl forpr'eventing rotation-- of the pinion in more than one direction, said bracket being movable to cause said pinion to engage said reel gear to lock said reel against rotation in one direction, said pinion being rotatable to rotate said reel in the other direction.

5. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts fixed to said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed tosaid first shaft, the outer end of said coil spring being provided with a spring shoe of stifier material than'said coil spring, a drum rotatable on said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub rotatably mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear,

the pawl gear being larger than the gear meshin therewith, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first namedgear and being larger than said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount after which said shoe slips with respect to said drum, thereby maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, a reel secured to said reel hub, a reel gear fixed to said reel, a bracket pivoted to said support and provided with a pinion, means for rotating the pinion, said bracket being movable to cause said pinion to engage said reel gear, said pinion being rotatable to rotate said reel gear, and a pawl provided on said bracket for preventing rotation of said reel in the direction to energize said spring.

6. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, a coil spring having one end fixed to said support, the other end of said spring having a shoe, a drum rotatably mounted with respect to said support and enclosingsaid spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear whereby said pawl gear 7 rotates with said ratchet gear in one direction and free from said ratchet gear in the opposite direction, a gear rotatable with respect to said support meshing with said pawl gear, the pawl gear being larger'than the gear meshing therewith, the gear which meshes with the pawl gear having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear rotatably mounted on said support having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear and being larger than said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount after which said shoe slips with respect to said drum, thereby maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, and a reel secured to said reel huh.

'I. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts fixed to said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring leaving one end fixed to said first shaft,

the outer end of said coil spring being provided with a sprin shoe of stiffer materialthan said coil sprin a drum rotatable on said fi st shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto,-a reel hub rotatably mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixedthereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft and meshing. with said pawl gear, said gear'on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount after which said shoe slips with respect to said drum, thereby maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated at greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, and a reel secured to said reel hub.

8. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts fixed to said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed to said first shaft, the outer end of said coil spring being provided with a spring shoe of stiffer material than said coil spring, a drum rotatable on said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub rotatably mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear rotatably mounted on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rot-ate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount after which said shoe slips with respect to said drum, thereby maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, a reel secured to said reel hub, a reel gear fixed to said reel, a bracket pivoted to said support and provided with a pinion having means for rotating the pinion, and a pawl for preventing rotation of the pinion in more than one direction, said bracket being movable to cause said pinion to engage said reel gear to lock said reel against rotation in one direction, said pinion being rotatable to rotate said reel in the other direction.

9. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts carried by said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having one end fixed to said first shaft, the outer end of said coil spring being provided with a shoe, a drum on said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear on said second shaft and meshing with said pawl gear, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and gears being so arranged and said'spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount, thereafter maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, and a reel secured to said reel hub;

10. In reel mechanism, the combination of a support, first and second shafts carried by said support in parallel relation to each other, a coil spring having 'one end fixed to said first shaft,

the outer end of said coil spring being provided with a shoe, a drum on said first shaft and enclosing said spring and shoe, said shoe having frictional engagement with said drum, said drum having a gear and ratchet gear fixed thereto, a reel hub mounted on said first shaft and having a first pawl gear fixed thereto and provided with pawls engaging said ratchet gear, a gear on said second shaft andmeshing with said pawl gear, said gear on said second shaft having a ratchet gear fixed thereto, a second pawl gear on said second shaft having pawls engaging said last named ratchet gear, said second pawl gear meshing with said first named gear, the ratchet gears, pawls and. gears being so arranged and said spring and drum being so arranged that rotation of said reel hub in one direction causes said drum to rotate a greater amount than said reel hub to energize said spring a predetermined amount thereafter maintaining a substantially constant energization of said spring, release of said hub permitting said spring-to become de-energized by directly rotating the first pawl gear by said first named ratchet gear to rotate the reel hub whereby said reel hub may-be rotated a greater amount by said spring than the reel hub was rotated'to energize said spring to a point to cause said shoe to slip, a reel secured to said reel hub, a reel-=gearfixed to said reel, a bracket pivoted to'said support and provided with a pinion having means for rotating the pinion, and a pawl for preventing rotation of the pinion in more than one direction, said bracket being movable to-cause said pinion to engage said reel gear'to loci: said reel against rotation in one direction, said pinion being rotatable to rotate said wheel in the other direction.

. 11.- In' a reel assembly, the combination of a support, a reel rotatably mounted on said support, a drum rotatably mounted on said support, y

rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said drum in an unwinding direction, means interposed between said spring and reel for rotating said drum a greater amount'in an unwinding direction than the reel is rotated in said unwinding direction, said last named means being operative, upon deenergizing movement of the spring,

to rotate the reel in a rewind direction substantially the same amount as said drum is rotated in a rewind direction.

12. In a reel assembly, the combination of a support, a reel rotatably mounted on said support, a drum rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said drum in an unwinding direction, means interposed between said spring and reel for rotating said drum a greater amount in an unwinding direction than the reel is rotated in said unwinding direction, said last named means having a portion inoperative in a rewind direction to cause said spring to rotate said drum and reel an equal amount in the rewind direction.

13. In a reel assembly, the combination of a support, a reel rotatably mounted on said support, a drum rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said drum in an unwinding direction, means interposed between said spring and reel for rotating said drum a greater amount in an unwinding direction than the reel is rotated in said unwinding direction, said last named means being operative, upon deenergizing movement of the spring, to rotate the reel in a rewind direction substantially the same amount as said drum is rotated in a rewind direction, and means adapted to be connected to said reel for rotating sad drum in a rewind direction and preventing rotation of said reel in an unwind direction.

14:. In a reel assembly, the combination of a support, a reel rotatably mounted on said support, a drum rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said drum in an unwinding direction, 'ineans interposed between said spring and reel for rotating said drum a greater amount in an unwinding direction than the reel is rotated in said unwinding direction, said last named means having a portion inoperative in a 'rewind'direction tocause said spring to rotate said drum, and reel an equal amount in the rewind direction, and means adapted to be connected to said reel for rotating said drum in a rewind direction and. preventing rotation of'said reel in an-unwind direction.

15. In a reel assembly, the combination of a support, a reel rotatably mounted'on said support, a member rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism includinga spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said reel in an unwinding direction, and means interposed between said spring andreel for rotating said member a greater amount than the real when the reel is rotated in anunwinding direction to energize said spring, said means in cluding means for connecting said member and 7 said spring to be energized a predetermined amount for a predetermined unwinding movement of said reel, said means including means operative upon deenergizi'ng said spring for causing rewinding of said reel a greater amount than the amount said reel unwound in energizing said sprin said predetermined amount.

lfIJIn combination, a 'support, a member rotatably mounted on-said support, rewind mechanism associated with said member and support, said rewind mechanism I including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said member in an unwinding direction, and means interposed between said spring and member rotating a greater amount wherithemember is rotated in an unwinding direction than the memberis rotated in said unwinding direction, said last named means being operative to cause rotation of the member in a rewind direction a greater amount than said member is rotated in an unwinding direction.

18. In combination, a support, a member rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said member and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said member in an unwinding direction, and means interposed between said spring and member rotating a greater amount when the member is rotated in an unwinding direction than the member is rotated in said unwinding direction, said last named means being operative to cause rotation of the member in a rewind direction substantially the same amount as said means is rotated in a rewind direction.

19. In combination, a support, a member rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said member and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized by rotation of said member in an unwinding direction, and means interposed between said spring and member for energizing said spring a predetermined amount for a predetermined movement of the member in an unwinding direction, said means operating to permit said spring to rotate the member a greater amount in a rewinding direction than said predetermined movement of the member, when said spring is moving to de-energized position.

20. A combination as recited in claim 19 Wherein means is provided adapted to be connected to said member for rotating said member in a rewinding direction and preventing rotation of said member in an unwinding direction.

21. In combination, a support, a reel rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism including means adapted to be energized a predetermined amount by rotation of said drum a predetermined amount in an unwinding direction, and means for causing said reel to rotate a greater amount in a rewinding direction when the first named means is; de-energized than the reel was rotated in said unwinding direction in energizing said first named means.

22. In a reel assembly, the combination of a support, a reel rotatably mounted on said support, a drum rotatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said reel and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized a predetermined amount by rotation of said drum a predetermined amount in an unwinding direction, connection means between said spring and drum, movement of said drum beyond said predetermined amount causing said connection means to become operative whereby said spring is energized only said predetermined amount, means interposed between said spring and reel for rotating said drum a greater amount in an unwinding direction than the reel is rotated in said unwinding direction when the spring is moved to position where it is energized said predetermined amount, said last named means being operative to permit said spring to rotate the reel in a rewind direction substantially the same amount as said drum is rotated in a rewind direction as said spring deenergizes.

23. A reel assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein means is provided adapted to be con- 16 nected to said reel for rotating said drum in a. rewind direction and preventing rotation of said reel in an unwind direction.

24. In combination, a support, a member r0.- tatably mounted on said support, rewind mechanism associated with said member and support, said rewind mechanism including a spring adapted to be energized a predetermined amount by rotation, of said member a predetermined amount in an unwinding direction, connection means between said spring and member, movement of saidjmember beyond said predetermined amount causingsaid connection means to become operative whereby said spring is energized only said predetermined amount, means interposed between said spring and member operative upon de-energizing movement of the spring from its predetermined energized amount condition for rotating said member a greater amount in a rewinding direction than the member is rotated in said unwinding direction.

25. A combination as recited in claim 24 wherein means is provided adapted to be connected to said member for rotating said member in a rewind direction and preventing rotation of said member in an unwind direction.

KENLY C. BUGG. HARRY L. HART.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the fiie of this patent:

UNITED STATES PALS NTS Number Name I Date 345,052 Harrison July 6, 1886 2,013,733 Murphy Sept. 10, 1935 2,034,543 Twiss et al. Mar. 17, 1936 2,219,201 Smith Oct. 22, 1940 2,231,852 Lear Feb. 11, 1941 2,33 i,14=1 Zierden Nov. 9, 1943 2,391,141 Dour et a1 Dec. 18, 1945 

